Open-air artists descend on Cranford for weeklong art event

CRANFORD — More than two dozen artists are taking to the streets of Cranford and the surrounding environs to “Paint the Town” this week as part of an annual “plein air” art event and celebration.

Twenty-eight outdoor landscape painters came to town on Tuesday, June 5, to start a week-long event that will find them setting up easels and portraits throughout the Cranford area, painting local scenes and talking to local folks.

Paint the Town portraits on Tuesday, June 5

Basking Ridge artists Lillian Laurin and Stephanie Amato say Cranford has cultivated a warm environment for the artists in the past.

“I think people here are very supportive of the artists and we really feel that,” Laurin said.

The painters will travel to Manhattan on Wednesday and the Jersey Shore on Thursday before coming back to paint locally in Cranford throughout the weekend. Portraits are available for immediate purchase from the painters — after the portrait is finished — and they will also be available at the Grand Finale Art Exhibition on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Cranford Community Center.

The artists are free to paint scenes in any style. Artist Dave Henderson says the group en masse creates a varied selection for art seekers that will allow them to see familiar scenes in new ways.

Artists came to Cranford this week to "Paint the Town"

“If you gave the same assignment to 100 different people, you'd have 100 different illustrations," Henderson said. "Same subject and all that, but different approaches. And that’s the fun part of it.”

Artists say the joy of plein air painting is interacting with people and immersing one’s self in the community.

“Plein air is interesting because it’s not like a studio," Henderson said. "This is more visceral, more personal.”

“You have to immerse yourself,” artist Joseph Terrone of Glen Rock said. “Everybody who comes by are very respectful, ask reasonable questions.”

The artists say the event can be stressful, but this kind of proactive art is important for the community and for the artists.

“It’s fun, it’s a lot of work," Amato said. "A little stressful. And you get to work with other artists from other states.”

“I’ve done my best painting after these events because when I go out [after the events] I have so much less stress,” Terrone said.

Local businesses are also getting into the event by sponsoring specials and events. Dovetail, a Cranford antique shop, will host a concert on Thursday night, and Joanie’s Café has served as the de facto headquarters for the visiting artists.